Do's and Don'ts in Grad School

[Danone]

As we embark on our graduate studies, I thought I would ask some of my friends who just completed their masters degree in SLP for their nuggets of wisdom. What would you add to the list?
 

Here's what they said:

Do's

• Use a planner
• Use a to-do list
• Stay on top of work
• Exercise
• Make time for yourself
• Eat healthy
• Manage your time wisely
• Ask for help when needed
• Ask for feedback
• Review graded assignments
• Make time for the things you love
• Don’t stress out
• Don’t procrastinate
• Dedicate at least one day a week for you time
• Focus on the learning process and not so much the grade
• Keep a binder and use it to keep all paperwork for ASHA in it (Original forms of your observation hours, all clinic hours, background checks etc.)

Edited June 22, 2014 by Danone

[lexical_gap]

I'm about to start my second year MS SLP and I agree with all the above.

 

I would also add:

DO

• Check available resources before creating your own therapy cards, games, and activities.
• Borrow ideas / materials from classmates and friends.
• Get to know your classmates.  They will laugh with (and at) you, cry with you, help you through those days when you feel like quitting, and celebrate your accomplishments.
• Start building your own library of resources.
• Mentor the undergrads through the grad application process.
• Get to know your professors.
• Advocate for yourself.  Grad school + deadlines + life + family can be intimidating and overwhelming.  Talk to your professors if you are having trouble balancing everything.  They have lives outside of school too and understand what you're going through.  Ultimately, they want you to succeed.
   

DON'T

• Beat yourself up if you fall behind or feel overwhelmed.

 

[Danone]

Great suggestions! Here's a few more:

Do's

• Use DropBox and/or Google Drive. Create a folder for each class and upload your documents. They are then accessible from anywhere including your phone.

 

Don'ts

• Don't read everything in the textbook, read the key things.
• Don't be afraid to speak up in class, if you know the answer, raise your hand, you're likely to get called when you don't know the answer if you're not vocal earlier in class

[sayjo]

I'm about to start my second year MS SLP and I agree with all the above.

 

I would also add:

DO

• Check available resources before creating your own therapy cards, games, and activities.

 

YES!!! I used to be a teacher and a favorite saying was, "Don't reinvent the wheel - beg, borrow and steal!"  Often, someone's already created what you're looking for.

 

I'm not sure how many SLPs know about Teachers Pay Teachers, but it is an AWESOME website with TONS of SLP resources. Lots of them are free!  All you need is a color printer and a laminator.  Check it out!

[slpgirl19]

Teachers Pay Teachers is an awesome resource! I am finishing my Master's degree this August and have just started a blog for grad students/SLPs: http://discoveringslp.blogspot.com/.

 

There is a post about my favorite TPT products: http://discoveringslp.blogspot.com/2014/05/favortie-teachers-pay-teachers-freebies.html#.U69OwkB0EtA.

 

I agree with many of the Dos/Donts mentioned above. I would add:

 

Do:

   -Quickly review lecture notes/slides after every class

   -Use Pinterest and online resources

  

 

Don't:

   -Stress over the small stuff...you will get through it!